edition 2 from forest to fjaeldmark the vegetation ...edition 2 from forest 3to fjaeldmark (revised...

Edition 2 From Forest to Fjaeldmark

The Vegetation Communities Non-eucalypt forest and woodland

Leptospermum lanigerum

Edition 2 From Forest to Fjaeldmark (revised – May 2018) 1

Non-eucalypt forest and woodland

Community (Code) Page

Acacia dealbata forest (NAD) 6

Acacia melanoxylon forest on rises (NAR) 8

Acacia melanoxylon swamp forest (NAF) 10

Allocasuarina littoralis forest (NAL) 12

Allocasuarina verticillata forest (NAV) 14

Banksia serrata woodland (NBS) 16

Bursaria-Acacia woodland (NBA) 18

Callitris rhomboidea forest (NCR) 20

Leptospermum forest (NLE) 22

Leptospermum lanigerum–Melaleuca squarrosa swamp forest (NLM) 24

Leptospermum scoparium-Acacia mucronata forest (NLA) 26

Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME) 28

Subalpine Leptospermum nitidum woodland (NLN) 30

General description

These forest and woodland communities are

grouped together either because they are native

forests and woodlands not dominated by eucalypt

species or because they do not fit into other forest

groups. If there is a functional attribute most share, it

is the widespread initiation of even-aged stands by

fire and the ability of many of them to form closed–

canopy forests. Some of these communities have

been referred to as “dry rainforests”.

Some of these communities are probably seral or

disturbance–disclimax forms of other communities.

Examples are Leptospermum scoparium–Acacia

mucronata forest (NLA) (which may have resulted

after burning of Athrotaxis rainforest (RKP, RKS),

and Bursaria–Acacia woodland (NBA) (resulting

from rural tree decline and other disturbance to Dry

eucalypt forest and woodland, primarily DVG). Many

of the communities are climax forms and typically

regenerate episodically following fire and thus form

even-aged stands (e.g. Acacia dealbata forest

(NAD), Callitris rhomboidea forest (NCR),

Allocasuarina verticillata forest (NAV) and Melaleuca

ericifolia swamp forest (NME)). In fact, all the

communities in the Non-eucalypt forest and

woodland section may be maintained by episodic

fire. The boundaries between many of these

communities are gradational, but some are sharply

marked, often by changes in topography that

reinforce different fire intervals.

Some communities are distinctive in the field

because one species dominates the canopy and

forms a pure stand. The understorey in all these

communities is generally sparse. The species

dominating these communities are common

components of many eucalypt-dominated

communities and rainforest communities.

The ecology of some communities is relatively well

known; for example Acacia melanoxylon swamp

forest (NAF) and Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest

(NME) (Pannell 1992) and Callitris rhomboidea

forest (NCR) (Harris and Kirkpatrick 1991a, 1991b).

The communities dominated by Leptospermum are

the least known, probably because they are often

seral stages and have not been surveyed

systematically.


Section revision

This section was subject to minor revisions in 2015

following a review of the forest/non-forest attributes

for TASVEG mapping units. As a result of this

process Bursaria-Acacia woodland and scrub (NBA)

has been restricted to describe the core woodland

component, and renamed Bursaria-Acacia woodland

(NBA). The Subalpine Leptospermum nitidum

woodland (NLN) unit was also restricted to focus

on the woodland component, excluding the scrub

facies. A minor revision of Allocasuarina littoralis

forest (NAL) to allow dominance by Allocasuarina

species other than A. verticillata is reflected in the

key to this section.

Further minor revisions were made in 2018 to

improve the descriptions of Callitris rhomboidea

forest (NCR) and Acacia dealbata forest (NAD).

General management issues

The communities in this group may be subject to

various threats and impacts. For example, Acacia

dealbata forest may be converted to another forest

type. Acacia dealbata is host to a native defoliator,

the fireblight beetle (Pyrgoides orphana), which

commonly inflicts partial or complete defoliation on

individual trees or whole stands. In some situations

after repeated attacks, it can cause the death of the

tree and conversion to another forest type (Elliott

1990).

Some communities have been identified as highly

susceptible to degradation by the plant pathogen

Phytophthora cinnamomi. Infection by the pathogen

can result in a general decrease in plant diversity;

species from the families Dilleniaceae, Epacridaceae,

Fabaceae, Proteaceae and Rutaceae are particularly

susceptible (Schahinger et al. 2003). Closing access

to infected areas is crucial to restricting its spread

and avoiding the creation of new tracks through the

bush reduces the vulnerability to infection

(Kirkpatrick & Harris 1999). Plants on peaty soils are

much more susceptible than those plants on sandy

soils.

Banksia serrata is listed rare under the Tasmanian

Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 due to its

restricted distribution in Tasmania. Very high fire

frequency is likely to cause a long-term change from

Callitris rhomboidea forest to a different vegetation

type (Williams 1991).

Swamp forests such a Acacia melanoxylon swamp

forest (NAF) are able to regenerate in the absence

of heavy disturbance such as fire, however fire has

been noted to cause mass germination of soil stored

seed, and is commonly used in silvicultural

management of this forest type. Native animal

browsing of seedlings is considered to be a

significant issue for regeneration (Wells and Hickey

1999).

Allocasuarina verticillata forest (NAV) has been

degraded through attrition from high fire frequency

and excessive grazing resulting in erosion problems

in some inland areas. Grazing and firing are

incompatible with conservation management of

NAV (Williams 1991).

The vegetation previously mapped as Notelaea–

Pomaderris–Beyeria forest (NNP) is now included in

Broad-leaf scrub (SBR) within the Scrub, heathland

and coastal complexes section.

References and further reading

Corbett, S. & Balmer, J. (2001) Map and description of the

Warra vegetation. Tasforests. 13(1), 45-76.

Corbett, E., & Balmer, J. (2003) The Vegetation of Rocky

Cape National Park. Records of the Queen Victoria

Museum. 112, Launceston.

Duncan, A.M.R. (1991) Management of rainforest in

reserves. Tasmanian NRCP Technical report No. 5.

Forestry Commission, Tasmania and the Department of

Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories,

Canberra.

Duncan, F. & Brown, M.J. (1985) Dry sclerophyll

vegetation in Tasmania. Wildlife Division Technical Report

85/1 National Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania,

Hobart.

Duncan, F. & Brown, M.J. (1995) Edaphics and fire: an

interpretative ecology of lowland forest vegetation on

granite in north-east Tasmania. Proceedings of the

Linnaean Society of New South Wales. 115, 45-60.

Elliot, H. (1990) The role of insects in changing forest

vegetation in Tasmania. Tasforests. 2(2). Forestry

Commission, Tasmania.

Forest Practices Authority (2005). Forest Botany Manual.

Forest Practices Authority, Hobart, Tasmania.

Gibson, N., Williams, K., Marsden-Smedley, J. & Brown,

M.J., (1987) Regeneration characteristics of a swamp forest

in north-western Tasmania. Papers and Proceedings of the

Royal Society of Tasmania. 121, 93-100.

Harris, S., Ziegler, K., Lazarus, E. & Arthur, C. (in prep.)

Cloud forests and firestorms: the vegetation of Strzelecki

National Park. Unpub. ms


Harris, S. & Kirkpatrick, J.B. (1991a) The distributions,

dynamics and ecological differentiation of Callitris species

in Tasmania. Australian Journal of Botany. 39, 187-202.

Harris, S. & Kirkpatrick, J.B. (1991b) The phytosociology

and synecology of Tasmanian vegetation with Callitris. In:

Aspects Of Tasmanian Botany – A Tribute To Winifred

Curtis (ed. M.R. Banks, S.J. Smith, A.E. Orchard & G.

Kantvilas). Royal Society of Tasmania, Hobart.

Jarman, S.J. & Crowden, R.K.(1978) A survey of vegetation

from the Lower Gordon River and associated catchments.

Southwest Tasmania Resources Survey Occasional Paper,

Tasmania.

Kirkpatrick, J.B. (1991) Reservation status of plant

communities in Tasmania. In: Tasmanian Native Bush: a

Management Handbook (ed. J.B. Kirkpatrick). Tasmanian

Environment Centre Inc., Hobart.

Kirkpatrick, J.B. & Harris, S. (1999) The Disappearing Heath

Revisited. Tasmanian Environment Centre Inc., Hobart.

North, A., Johnson, K., Ziegler, K., Duncan, F., Hopkins, K.,

Ziegeler, D., & Watts, S. (1998) Flora of Recommended

Areas for Protection and Forest Reserves in Tasmania.

Reserve Reports, Summary and Volumes 1-7. Forest

Practices Board, Forestry Tasmania, and Parks and Wildlife

Service, Tasmania.

Pannell, J.R. (1992) Swamp Forests of Tasmania. Report,

Forestry Commission. Tasmania

Pollard, T. (2006) The Vegetation Ecology of Dry Closed

Forest. PhD thesis, Department of Geography and

Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania.

RFA (1996) Regional Forest Agreement. Environment and

Heritage Report Vol II Background Report part C.

Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments.

Schahinger, R., Rudman, R. & Wardlaw, T.J. (2003)

Conservation of Tasmanian Plant Species and

Communities Threatened by Phytophthora cinnamomi:

Strategic Regional Plan for Tasmania. Technical report

03/03, Nature Conservation Branch, Department of

Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.

Wells, P. & Hickey, J. (1999) Wet sclerophyll, mixed and

swamp forest. In: Vegetation of Tasmania (Eds. J.B. Reid,

R.S. Hill, M.J. Brown, & M.J. Hovenden). Flora of Australia

Supplementary Series Number 8. ABRS.

Williams, K. (1991) Dry sclerophyll vegetation. In:

Tasmanian Native Bush: a Management Handbook (Ed. J.B.

Kirkpatrick). Tasmanian Environment Centre Inc., Hobart.


Key to Non-eucalypt forest and woodland

Page

1 Forests and woodlands where Leptospermum species are prominent

2 Leptospermum lanigerum with a significant proportion of Melaleuca squarrosa in the canopy,

common in the north-west and north-east on low-lying swampy land

Leptospermum lanigerum–Melaleuca squarrosa swamp forest (NLM) 24

2 Leptospermum lanigerum and/or L. glaucescens and/or L. scoparium and/or L. nitidum dominated

forest with negligible Melaleuca squarrosa

Leptospermum forest (NLE) 22

2 Forests dominated by Leptospermum scoparium with Acacia mucronata, often in association with

other sclerophyllous species such as Banksia marginata and Melaleuca squarrosa

Leptospermum scoparium–Acacia mucronata forest (NLA) 26

2 Open woodland in subalpine areas dominated by a sparse cover of spreading Leptospermum

nitidum trees

Subalpine Leptospermum nitidum woodland (NLN) 30

1 Forests and woodlands where Acacia is dominant

2 Acacia dealbata generally forming pure forests up to 30 m in height, generally resulting from

disturbance in areas of wet eucalypt forest, but also occurring in riparian areas and other

situations with reliable water sources , otherwise

Acacia dealbata forest (NAD) 6

2 Acacia melanoxylon forming pure stands in flat, swampy or seasonally inundated areas particularly

in north-west Tasmania

Acacia melanoxylon swamp forest (NAF) 10

2 Acacia melanoxylon forming pure stands on hillsides, especially in western Tasmania, and usually

resulting from burnt rainforest

Acacia melanoxylon forest on rises (NAR) 8

2 Woodlands generally <10 m in height dominated by Bursaria spinosa, Acacia species and/or

Dodonaea viscosa (occasionally with emergent eucalypts)

Bursaria–Acacia woodland (NBA) 18

1 Forests and woodlands where Banksia serrata is dominant

Banksia serrata woodland (NBS) 16

1 Vegetation of any height where Melaleuca ericifolia is dominant

Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME) 28

1 Forests and woodlands dominated by Callitris rhomboidea

Callitris rhomboidea forest (NCR) 20

See next page of key

Page


1 Forests where Allocasuarina is dominant

2 Forests usually coastal or on dry inland slopes, dominated by Allocasuarina verticillata

Allocasuarina verticillata forest (NAV) 14

2 Forests dominated by Allocasuarina spp. (predominantly A. littoralis) other than A. verticillata

Allocasuarina littoralis forest (NAL) 12

1 Non-eucalypt forests and woodlands not dominated by Leptospermum, Allocasuarina, Banksia, Callitris

or Melaleuca

2 Forests (or scrubs) dominated by Notelaea ligustrina and/or Pomaderris apetala

See Key to Scrub, heathland and coastal complexes (Broad-leaf scrub (SBR))


Acacia dealbata forest (NAD)

General description

Acacia dealbata forest (NAD) is a successional

community commonly replacing wet forests and

damp sclerophyll forest after disturbance but also

occurring on stream banks and riparian corridors

subject to flood disturbance, and in other situations

with reliable water sources. The canopy is variable in

cover, but is most often composed purely of tall

straight Acacia dealbata trees that can reach 30 m

height. The understorey is variable reflecting the

diverse disturbance situations in which the

community arises.

Arthur River. Stephen Harris.

Example localities

Stream corridors and old fields of the Northwest

Bay and Huon River valleys.

Distinguishing features and similar

communities

The community is characterised by the dense

canopy of tall straight Acacia dealbata with

occasional remnants of pre- disturbance forest.

Acacia dealbata, occurring as low, often suckering

trees in the drier areas of eastern Tasmania can

dominate Bursaria-Acacia woodland (NBA), but

where this species forms a dominant canopy of tall

straight trees in wet areas it is always mapped as

NAD.

RFA mapping unit

NAD is equivalent to RFA SI.

Distribution

Widespread up to 1000 m in elevation in all areas of

mainland Tasmania.

Bioregional occurrence

All bioregions.

Site characteristics, habitat and ecology

This community is most common on sites disturbed

by fire, past vegetation clearing or floods. Generally,

stands are less than 5 ha in size but are occasionally

more extensive. The community occupies sites from

flats to steep slopes and ridges on a variety of

substrates, but most often is found on relatively

fertile areas.

Vegetation composition and structure

The canopy is most often composed of purely of

Acacia dealbata although other species may

sometimes be present as a minor component (e.g.

eucalypt or broad leaf wet sclerophyll or rainforest

species, < 5%).


Trees can reach 30 m in height, but typically the

community is short-lived and replaced by other wet

forest communities (e.g. rainforest or wet eucalypt

forest). Canopy cover can vary from dense in

younger stands to sparse in more disturbed or older

stands.

Understoreys are variable and range from Pteridium

esculentum and shrub species, representative of

disturbed sites, to regenerating wet forest species

such as Olearia lirata and O. argophylla, to rainforest

species such as Nothofagus cunninghamii. The

understorey often reflects the vegetation present

before the disturbance. Except in riparian corridors

subject to regular floods, the community reverts to

the pre-disturbance community (e.g. wet eucalypt

forest, rainforest) if left undisturbed and appropriate

seed sources are present.

Floristic communities known to occur in

this mapping unit

No systematic botanical survey has been carried out

for Acacia dealbata dominated vegetation

communities in Tasmania.

Additional communities (Forest Botany Manual)

OTHER 10 Acacia dealbata closed forest

Riparian communities (Daley & Kirkpatrick 2004)

16 Acacia dealbata–Pomaderris apetala–Olearia

argophylla–Dicksonia antarctica ferny-sedgy closed-

scrub; also occurs in SRE


Acacia melanoxylon forest on rises (NAR)

General description

Acacia melanoxylon forest on rises (NAR) is often a

fire-induced seral rainforest or mixed-forest

community dominated by regrowth Acacia

melanoxylon trees of even height; it typically forms a

closed forest. The understorey ranges from relatively

open to dense. A diversity of species may be

present, including eucalypts (which may be co-

dominant) or rainforest and wet sclerophyll species

(including other species of Acacia) over a fern-

dominated ground layer.

Mawbanna. Micah Visoiu.

Example locality

Hills around Rosebery.


communities

NAR is characterised by the almost complete

dominance of Acacia melanoxylon, which has

followed fire in rainforests and mixed forests. It

occurs on soils of moderate to high fertility on

slopes of hills and mountains of western Tasmania.

While it may be structurally and floristically similar to

Acacia melanoxylon swamp forest (NAF), NAF is

only mapped in lowland river flats mainly in the

north-west. It intergrades with, and is replaced, by

Acacia dealbata forest (NAD) on fertile substrates

that have been cleared or cultivated, or by

A. mucronata and Leptospermum species post-fire

scrub and forest communities on less fertile

substrates. Where A. melanoxylon is only locally

dominant, especially where the understorey is

sclerophyllous, it is better mapped as the

surrounding forest type than as NAR.

RFA mapping unit

NAR is equivalent to RFA BR.

Distribution

This unit predominantly occurs in the west and

north-west, but small areas may be found on moist

sites throughout the State.


BEL, FUR, KIN, TCH, TNS, TWE.


This community grows mainly on soils of moderate

to high fertility, often on fire- disturbed lowland

slopes and spurs that previously supported

callidendrous or thamnic rainforest or mixed forest

(eucalypts over rainforest).



Acacia melanoxylon is the dominant tree species,

with Eucalyptus obliqua, E. nitida and Nothofagus

cunninghamii sometimes present.

Most stands of this community consist of regrowth

that forms a dense forest. A single age-class of

A. melanoxylon is usually present, with the age

relating to a major disturbance event. As the stand

matures, the density of A. melanoxylon decreases

and rainforest species become more prominent in

the understorey and secondary tree layer. A

prolonged period without fire (> 200 years) will

result in the A. melanoxylon forests succeeding to

pure rainforest. The long viability of A. melanoxylon

seed enables this species to regenerate after

disturbance to forest communities (e.g. rainforest)

that have no living A. melanoxylon at the time they

are burnt or otherwise disturbed.

The understorey is a mixture of wet sclerophyll

shrubs (e.g. Nematolepis squamea, Pomaderris

apetala, various species of Leptospermum) and

rainforest species (including Nothofagus

cunninghamii, Atherosperma moschatum and

Eucryphia lucida). Ferns and occasionally Gahnia

grandis, are the main groundcover species.


this mapping unit

Other forest/scrub communities:

D1 Riparian blackwood/paperbark forest; also occurs in

NAF & NME

D2 Riparian blackwood/wattle forest; also occurs in NAF

D3 Riparian blackwood/Olearia forest

D4 Riparian blackwood/dogwood forest; also occurs in

NAF

D5 Riparian blackwood/myrtle/dogwood forest; also

occurs in NAF & RMT

D6 Riparian blackwood rainforest; also occurs in NAF &

RMT

D7 Riparian blackwood/leatherwood rainforest; also

occurs in NAF & RMT


14 Acacia-Nothofagus-Atherosperma woodland and

forest over Olearia shrubland and Dicksonia antarctica

fernland; also occurs in NAF

17 Acacia melanoxylon–Nothofagus cunninghamii–

Eucryphia lucida–Acacia mucronata mossy-sedgy-ferny

closed-scrub; also occurs in NAF


Acacia melanoxylon swamp forest (NAF)

General description

This community is typically a tall closed forest (> 30

m in height) dominated by Acacia melanoxylon, with

a relatively open and variable understorey.

Dismal Swamp. Leanne Rabjohns.

Example locality

Dismal Swamp, between Smithton and Marrawah.


communities

NAF intergrades with, and is replaced by, Acacia

dealbata dominated types (e.g. NAD) on fertile

substrates that have been cleared or cultivated, or

by A. mucronata and Leptospermum post-fire scrub

and forest communities on less fertile substrates. On

rises, while the community may be structurally,

ecologically and floristically similar to NAF, it is

mapped as Acacia melanoxylon forest (NAR). It is

associated with other swamp forest communities

(NLM and NME) from which it is distinguished by

the prominence of A. melanoxylon. Where paddock

trees of A. melanoxylon occur these are better

mapped as Agricultural land (FAG).

RFA mapping unit

NAF is equivalent to RFA BF

Distribution

Most occurrences are in the west and north-west of

the State (e.g. Dismal and Welcome swamps) and

on King Island, invariably on coastal plains at altitudes

of less than 100 m. The community also occurs

locally in the east, south-east and north-east (e.g.

Little Forester River), where most sites are less than

200 m altitude.


BEL, FUR, KIN, TNM, TNS, TSR, TWE.


This community occurs extensively on alluvial flats

that are generally inundated, and locally on poorly–

drained flats. Drainage channels meandering through

the swamp are characteristic.


Acacia melanoxylon is the dominant tree species,

with Nothofagus cunninghamii and other rainforest

species co-occurring at some sites that have not had

major disturbance for many years.

On more recently disturbed sites, Melaleuca

squarrosa, M. ericifolia and one or more species of

Leptospermum may be present. Eucalyptus obliqua

and E. brookeriana occur in adjacent forests.

In successionally advanced stands, the structure of

the forest consists of mature, spreading rainforest

species and large Acacia melanoxylon trees, often

with conspicuous eucalypts. In younger stands, dense

stands of paperbark and tea-tree rarely exceeding 20

m in height with an open understorey (due to the

density of the canopy) are characteristic.


The composition and structure of the understorey

tends not to be dense, although this depends on the

site and disturbance history (e.g. flood, fire).

The most conspicuous components are the sedges,

including Gahnia grandis, G. sieberiana,

Lepidosperma ensiforme, L. elatius and Carex

appressa, and the water ferns Blechnum wattsii,

B. minus and B. nudum. Hummocks of Sphagnum

species associated with myrtle logs occur in

successionally advanced forest.


this mapping unit


A1 Depauperate callidendrous swamp forest; also occurs

in NLM

A2 Callidendrous sassafras swamp forest; also occurs in

NLM

A3 Depauperate callidendrous fern swamp forest

A4 Callidendrous myrtle swamp forest

A5 Callidendrous fern swamp forest

B1 Thamnic leatherwood swamp forest; also occurs in

NLM

B2 Thamnic fern swamp forest; also occurs in NLM

B3 Thamnic horizontal swamp forest; also occurs in NLM

B4 Thamnic leatherwood/Trochocarpa swamp forest; also

occurs in NLM

B5 Thamnic Celery Top pine swamp forest; also occurs in

NLM

C3 Coastal paperbark/Carex swamp forest; also occurs in

NME

C4 Coastal tea-tree/Carex swamp forest; also occurs in

NLM & NLE

C5 Coastal sassafras swamp forest; also occurs in NLM

C6 Coastal myrtle swamp forest; also occurs in NME

D1 Riparian blackwood/paperbark forest; also occurs in

NME & NAR

D2 Riparian blackwood/wattle forest; also occurs in NAR

D6 Riparian blackwood rainforest; also occurs in NAR &

RMT

D7 Riparian blackwood/leatherwood rainforest; also

occurs in NAR & RMT


14 Acacia-Nothofagus-Atherosperma woodland and

forest over Olearia shrubland and Dicksonia antarctica

fernland; also occurs in NAR

17 Acacia melanoxylon–Nothofagus cunninghamii–

Eucryphia lucida–Acacia mucronata mossy-sedgy-ferny

closed-scrub; also occurs in NAR


Allocasuarina littoralis forest (NAL)

General description

Allocasuarina littoralis forest is characterised by a

very dense stratum (12–18 m high) of A. littoralis,

sometimes overtopped by occasional eucalypts.

Shrubs grow in gaps in the canopy and at the

margins of the community. It includes patches of

forest dominated by Allocasuarina crassa (e.g.

Tasman Peninsula) or A. duncanii (e.g. on Snug

Tiers). This mapping unit occurs in small patches.

Lime Bay Nature Reserve. Stephen Harris.

Example locality

Banca Road, near Winnaleah.


communities

Distinctive, usually dominated by one species, with a

sparse to dense sedgy understorey and heavy leaf

litter. The community may occur as an understorey

or in patches that are too small to map separately in

dry sclerophyll Eucalyptus communities. Where

Allocasuarina verticillata is dominant the vegetation

is mapped as Allocasuarina verticillata forest (NAV).

RFA mapping unit

Not covered by RFA mapping.

Distribution

Allocasuarina littoralis forest occurs in the State’s

north-east, e.g. in the Great Musselroe River

catchment, near Old Chum Dam. Small patches are

also found throughout the drier parts of the State.


BEL, FUR, TNM, TNS, TSE.


This community occurs locally on broad ridges or

flats, and on undulating country. The soils normally

have a high sand content and are well–drained,

though on some sites the community grades into

woodland or scrub growing on sites with impeded

drainage. Fire frequency is > 30 years.


This community is characterised by a very dense

stratum (12–18 m high) of Allocasuarina littoralis,

overtopped by occasional eucalypts (Eucalyptus

amygdalina, E. viminalis). The density of A. littoralis,

coupled with the presence of a deep litter layer,

inhibits the development of an understorey, except

under gaps in the canopy and at the margins of the

community. The main shrub species include Banksia

marginata, Leptospermum scoparium and Lomatia

tinctoria. Any of the following may be scattered in

the ground layer: Pteridium esculentum, Diplarrena

moraea, Gahnia grandis, Ehrharta distichophylla and

Goodenia lanata. Lycopodium deuterodensum is

occasionally present.



this mapping unit


for Allocasuarina littoralis dominated vegetation

communities in Tasmania.


DRY-LIT Allocasuarina low forest


Allocasuarina verticillata forest (NAV)

General description

Allocasuarina verticillata forest varies from pure

stands with 100% litter layer or with little else but

leaf litter beneath the trees, to woodlands in which

umbrageous trees are interspersed in a species-rich

sward dominated by tussock grasses. These

woodlands and forests are on very dry sites. Some

have emergent eucalypts or Callitris rhomboidea.

Closed forest facies. Flinders Island, Bass Strait. Stephen Harris.

Example locality

Waterhouse Protected Area.


communities

The dominant tree, Allocasuarina verticillata,

distinguishes this community and is distinctive

because of the rounded forms to the trees. This

community has a propensity to form dense stands.

The community may grade into Callitris rhomboidea

dominated forest (NCR) in some parts of eastern

Tasmania. It may also include emergents from

adjacent eucalypt forest.

RFA mapping unit

NAV is equivalent to RFA AV.

Distribution

Allocasuarina verticillata forest occurring inland and

woodland is widespread in dry areas of eastern

Tasmania and on the eastern Bass Strait islands at

altitudes generally below 500 m, and most

commonly near the coast. In fact, a narrow belt of

NAV grows on the coastward margin around much

of the eastern and northern Tasmanian coast where

the native vegetation sequence has not been

destroyed. The most extensive occurrences are on

the eastern Bass Strait islands and eastward of

Waterhouse Island in north-east Tasmania.


BEL, FUR, TNM, TSE, TSR.


Allocasuarina verticillata forest usually grows on

heavy, black clay soils derived from dolerite on

north-facing slopes in some of the lowest rainfall

country in the midlands and south-east Tasmania.

The most extensive examples of NAV however, are

on calcareous or siliceous sand and gravel in north-

east Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands. In the

south east it is characteristic of dry rocky dolerite

slopes adjacent to Eucalyptus pulchella and

E. globulus forests.


A. verticillata forest varies from an almost closed

forest, with little else but leaf litter beneath the trees,

to a woodland in which spreading trees are

interspersed in a species-rich sward dominated by

tussock grasses.


A. verticillata is more drought-resistant than the

eucalypts, and can form pure stands on the driest

sites in Tasmania. Acacia mearnsii, A. dealbata,

Dodonaea viscosa and Bursaria spinosa are common

understorey shrubs, becoming dense in the absence

of fire. Emergent eucalypts can occur up to a density

of 5%.


this mapping unit

Dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands:

1a Coastal Allocasuarina low forest; also occurs in DVC

1b Inland Allocasuarina verticillata low forest

1c Island Allocasuarina low forest

Grasslands and grassy woodlands:

T8 Austrodanthonia spp.-Poa rodwayi-Agrostis aemula

tussock grassland; also occurs in GRP, GCL, GTL &

DGL


Banksia serrata woodland (NBS)

General description

These woodlands are dominated by Banksia serrata

and may be open and heathy, as in Wingaroo

Nature Reserve and parts of Rocky Cape National

Park and the Shakespeare Hills, or grow in dense

stands, as around the Sisters Beach area. The

community occurs mainly on flat areas or subdued

slopes and some hill slopes.

Wingaroo Nature Reserve, Flinders Island. Stephen Harris.

Example localities

Sisters Beach, and the start of the track at the end of

Irbys Road, Rocky Cape.


communities

The community is distinguished by the presence of

Banksia serrata as the canopy dominant, in either a

woodland or forest density.

RFA mapping unit

NBS is equivalent to RFA BS.

Distribution

The community grows in a few small areas near

Sisters Beach, the northern end of the Dip Range

and Shakespeare Hills on the north-west coast. A

very small stand grows in the Wingaroo Nature

Reserve on Flinders Island. Note that for this

distribution image the symbology has been

emphasised to improve visibility of community

distribution.


FUR, KIN.


The community occurs on peat soils on slopes

underlain by quartzite, on sand plains near the

Sisters Beach township or on granite-derived

siliceous soils as at Wingaroo. Almost all sites face

north or west and are exposed to the prevailing

winds; they tend to have frequent fires.


This community is dominated by Banksia serrata, but

Eucalyptus nitida may form a sparse canopy (< 5%

canopy cover). East of Sisters Beach, sparse E. nitida

and a little E. ovata overtop B. serrata, B. marginata,

Monotoca glauca and Acacia melanoxylon. Further

east, the canopy of sparse emergents are E. nitida,

E. obliqua and E. viminalis, but B. serrata does not

persist far into this tall forest.

B. serrata trees may reach 8 m in height, with thick,

twisted trunks, which are often scarred where

branches have broken off. In any stand, tree ages

vary from seedlings to old growth.

Banksia serrata woodland has a heathy understorey

that includes various graminoids and Allocasuarina

monilifera, Philotheca virgata, Dillwynia glaberrima


and Leptospermum scoparium. Xanthorrhoea

australis is sometimes present.

On the sand plains, the coastal heathland

understorey shows very high diversity.

Leptospermum glaucescens and/or Monotoca glauca

are the most common shrubs. In some areas Acacia

terminalis and M. glauca in some areas co-dominate

the shrub layer, with little more than Pteridium

esculentum underneath. There is an abrupt

boundary between B. serrata woodland (NBS) and

the adjacent Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus–

Melaleuca squamea moorlands (MBS). Transition

into E. obliqua-dominated wet forest is more

gradual.


this mapping unit


8 Banksia serrata open-forest/scrub


Bursaria-Acacia woodland (NBA)

General description

The community is characterised by scattered small

(< 10 m) trees of Bursaria spinosa, Acacia dealbata,

A. mearnsii, A. melanoxylon, A. verticillata,

Dodonaea viscosa and other small trees and shrubs.

These form a sparse to dense layer over a grassy

sward dominated by Themeda triandra or

Austrodanthonia species.

Near Orford. Stephen Harris.

Example locality

Lisdillon Hills.


communities

NBA is distinguished from Regenerating cleared land

(FRG) by being dominated by small trees such as

Bursaria spinosa, Acacia spp. and/or Dodonaea

viscosa and including native grasses in the ground

layer.

NBA is distinguished from native grassland units by

the prominence of a small tree layer of > 5% cover.

The facies of NBA that is dominated by low, scrubby

(often suckering) A. dealbata is distinguished from

Acacia dealbata forest (NAD) by the stature of the

Acacia and the much drier environments in which

NBA occurs. NAD is dominated by tall straight

A. dealbata.

RFA mapping unit

NBA is not covered by RFA mapping.

Distribution

NBA grows on small hills and lower slopes marginal

to grazing land, particularly in rural districts in drier

areas of the east and Midlands.


BEL, FUR, TCH, TNM, TNS, TSE, TSR.


The community occurs on dry slopes at low altitude

(< 600 m) often on dolerite or basalt, and generally

in areas that have been ploughed or disturbed.

Successional pathway

Bursaria–Acacia woodland (NBA) occupies sites that

were previously Eucalyptus viminalis and

E. amygdalina woodland and forest. The virtual

elimination of eucalypts from these sites resulted

from rural tree decline and/or tree removal.

Recolonisation by Bursaria spinosa, Acacia dealbata,

A. mearnsii, A. melanoxylon, A. verticillata,

Dodonaea viscosa and other small trees and shrubs

has given rise to current NBA areas. Recovery to

Eucalyptus viminalis grassy forest and woodland

(DVG) or to Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and

woodland on dolerite (DAD) may occur where a

eucalypt canopy develops.



Scattered small trees of Bursaria spinosa, Acacia

dealbata, A. mearnsii, A. melanoxylon, A. verticillata,

Dodonaea viscosa subsp. spatulata, and other small

trees and shrubs form a sparse to dense layer over a

grassy sward dominated by Themeda triandra,

Lomandra longifolia or Austrodanthonia species.

Other grasses, herbs and small heathy shrubs may

occur, as may scattered trees of Eucalyptus viminalis,

E. pauciflora, E. amygdalina and E. globulus.

The floristic complexity can vary enormously. Some

sites reflect a disturbed management history and can

be depauperate and weedy. At other sites NBA may

be floristically diverse and can include threatened

species that are characteristic of Themeda grassland.


this mapping unit


for non-coastal scrub communities in Tasmania.

Grasslands and grassy woodlands:

17 Eucalyptus viminalis/Allocasuarina verticillata–Acacia

mearnsii grassy; also occurs in DVG

T6 Themeda triandra–Austrostipa stuposa–

Chrysocephalum apiculatum tussock grassland; also

occurs in GTL

T7 Themeda triandra–Veronica gracilis– Solenogyne spp.

tussock grassland; also occurs in GTL


Dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands:

DRY–gVIM Grassy Eucalyptus viminalis woodland; NBA

has close floristic affinities with the understorey of this

community


Callitris rhomboidea forest (NCR)

General description

Callitris rhomboidea forest (NCR) has been used to

map dense stands with pure Callitris rhomboidea in

the canopy to woodlands and forests where C.

rhomboidea is a major component of the canopy,

sometimes co- dominant with Allocasuarina

verticillata and such eucalypts as E. viminalis, E. nitida,

E. pulchella and E. tenuiramis. The forest may be

dominated by trees up to 30 m in height and can

have a shrubby, grassy or heathy understorey.

Freycinet National Park. Sophie Underwood.

Example locality

Freycinet National Park.


communities

The distinguishing feature of this community is the

presence of Callitris rhomboidea. C. oblonga is the

only other conifer that occurs in dry forests in

eastern Tasmania, but is mainly riparian and is

shorter than C. rhomboidea. It is not mapped

separately.

Callitris rhomboidea dominated forest normally

occurs as only small patches within other forest

types and is sometimes not mappable (or only

mappable where the matrix of other trees is

included). It should be noted that NCR is only

equivalent to 11. Callitris rhomboidea forest

(Schedule 3A Nature Conservation Act 2002) when

C. rhomboidea is the dominant tree.

RFA mapping unit

NCR is equivalent to RFA CR.

Distribution

It is found from Cape Pillar to the Denison River on

the east coast, and also in the Furneaux Group. It

occurs from sea level to 600 m in altitude.


FUR, TSE.


Callitris rhomboidea is a fire-sensitive species,

generally confined to infrequently burned vegetation

in eastern Tasmania. It is a garden escapee in native

vegetation at Sisters Beach, Moorinna and Margate.

C. rhomboidea is tolerant of a wide range of soil

types, but does not grow in poorly–drained soil.


C. rhomboidea is the dominant tree species in both

forest and woodland, but is also a major understorey

http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/conservation/threatened-species-and-communities/threatened-native-vegetation-communities.


component of eucalypt forest (and occasionally

occurs in Coastal heathland SCH).

C. rhomboidea is drought-resistant and establishes

readily in moderately shaded, undisturbed areas. The

understorey may be heathy, shrubby or grassy.

Dense stands are now uncommon, but there are

examples on the east coast of Flinders Island, on the

eastern shelf of Maria Island and on talus slopes at

Cape Bernier.

C. rhomboidea may co-occur with Eucalyptus ovata,

E. rodwayi, E. globulus, E. amygdalina, E. tenuiramis,

E. nitida, E. regnans, E. obliqua, E. amygdalina and

E. viminalis. A variety of species dominate the small-

tree layer, including Bursaria spinosa, Allocasuarina

verticillata, A. monilifera, Dodonaea viscosa,

Leptospermum laevigatum, Bedfordia salicina and

Cassinia aculeata.


this mapping unit


4 Callitris rhomboidea–Leptospermum spp. closed-

forest/scrub; also occurs in Eastern scrub on dolerite

(SED)

5 Callitris rhomboidea–Bedfordia salicina closed-

forest/scrub


Leptospermum forest (NLE)

General description

One or more of Leptospermum lanigerum,

L. scoparium, L. glaucescens or L. nitidum dominates

Leptospermum forests (5–10 m tall) with semi-

closed or closed canopies. Mid- and ground layers

may be sparsely shrubby and sedgy, or the ground

may be bare or covered by deep litter. Coastal NLE

has L. glaucescens and sometimes L. scoparium in

the canopy, and may be diverse and uneven in

height where it has suffered patchy effects of fire or

windthrow. Inland NLE below about 400 m altitude

may also be uneven, with up to three

Leptospermum species sharing the canopy with

Banksia marginata and sometimes Monotoca glauca

and Acacia mucronata over Bauera rubioides and

Gahnia grandis. Highland NLE is usually closed-

canopy L. lanigerum (sometimes L. scoparium) and

straggling Banksia with little understorey. Short,

dense and tangled highland forests in the west may

be dominated by L. nitidum, with some Eucryphia

milliganii, Nothofagus cunninghamii, Agastachys

odorata and Cenarrhenes nitida.

Inland highland facies. Scotts Peak Road. Nepelle Temby.

Example localities

Slopes below Moonlight Flats (Southern Ranges);

coastal form at Rocky Boat Harbour (south coast);

Ralfs Falls track in the north-east, near Ringarooma.


communities

Tall Leptospermum glaucescens may be the

dominant mid-storey species in Eucalyptus nitida wet

forest WNU, but emergent eucalypts are sparse or

absent from NLE. On ridge crests in the west and

south-west, WNU grades into NLE between 600 m

and 750 m altitude. Coastal forms of both NLE and

WNU may be diverse or have an understorey

dominated by Gahnia grandis and/or Lepidosperma

ensiforme (coastal NLE lacks Eucalyptus nitida). NLA

is short Leptospermum forest mapped around

Queenstown and distinguished from NLE by its

clearly defined floristics: L. scoparium and Acacia

mucronata dominate, often with a dense and tangled

structure. Nothofagus–Leptospermum short

rainforest (RML), which has strong rainforest

affinities, has co-dominant Nothofagus cunninghamii

and species of Leptospermum, and typically grades

into NLE with altitude.

Leptospermum forest dominated by L. nitidum

occurs above about 400 m in parts of south-west

Tasmania and around the West Coast Range, where

it has affinities with western rainforests and rainforest

scrubs, particularly those that include Athrotaxis

selaginoides. NLE near south- west rivers has clear

boundaries with riverine rainforest and

Leptospermum lanigerum–Melaleuca squarrosa

swamp forest (NLM) in which Melaleuca squarrosa

is important. The coastal form of NLE may grade

into Coastal heathland (SCH) with similar floristics,

but NLE is taller and usually has a closed or nearly

closed canopy, leading to much lower diversity.

Scrub dominated by Leptospermum species

(Leptospermum lanigerum scrub (SLL),

Leptospermum scoparium heathland and scrub

(SLS), Leptospermum glaucescens heathland and

scrub (SLG)) is generally less than 5 m in height,

while NLE grows to 10 m. SLL, SLS and SLG can be

successional to NLE. NLM is similar in height to NLE;

there is usually more Melaleuca squarrosa in NLM.

RFA mapping unit

NLE would often be classed as a non- forest

community in the RFA, however some facies may

occur in RFA L.

Distribution

NLE is widespread, but with its stronghold in the

west and south of the state. NLE is mapped up to

1250 m in elevation in the central highlands;

elsewhere it is usually below 950 m.



BEL, KIN, TCH, TNS, TSE, TSR, TWE.


Leptospermum forests grow on moderately fertile

soils in sheltered sites in high rainfall areas. Substrates

vary from stable sand dunes to sedimentary rocks.

Some forms of NLE grow in south-west Tasmania

where quartzite mountain slopes meet the plains

and soil has accumulated, and also on the better-

drained parts of swamps round the big south-west

rivers. Leptospermum forests also grow on the

slopes below sandstone plateaus and on ascending

ridge crests up to about 800 m altitude. L. lanigerum

prefers relatively fertile, sheltered, well-watered and

sometimes poorly–drained sites, L. glaucescens

grows on skeletal soils and L. scoparium prefers

good drainage.


Below mature Leptospermum forest, the

understorey may be sparse with a few shrubs,

sedges, bryophytes and ferns. Forests may be fringed

by bands of small Leptospermum, Gahnia grandis

and low shrubs.


this mapping unit


C4 Coastal tea-tree–Carex swamp forest

E1 Depauperate montane tea-tree forest

1 Leptospermum nitidum closed-forest/scrub; also

occurs in SRF, SSW, SWW & RML

2 Leptospermum glaucescens–L. scoparium closed-

forest/scrub; also occurs in Leptospermum glaucescens

heathland and scrub (SLG)


Leptospermum lanigerum–Melaleuca squarrosa swamp forest (NLM)

General description

Swamp forests dominated by Leptospermum

lanigerum and/or Melaleuca squarrosa are common

in the north-west and west and occur occasionally in

the north-east and east, where L. lanigerum usually

predominates. There are also extensive tracts on

alluvial flats of the major south-west rivers. The

forests are dominated by various mixtures of

L. lanigerum and M. squarrosa, but with varying

lesser amounts of Acacia species. Rainforest species

are also present. Trees are usually > 8 m in height.

Lake Shelf, west of Lots Wife, Mt Anne area. Sib Corbett.

Example localities

Montagu and Duck River catchments in north- west

Tasmania.


communities

The forests are floristically similar to, and intergrade

with, Acacia melanoxylon swamp forests (NAF). The

forests also intergrade in the north-west with the

predominantly coastal Melaleuca ericifolia swamp

forest (NME). NLM is taller than Leptospermum

with rainforest scrub (SRF) and generally lacks a

scrubby understorey. Some of these swamp forests

have younger successional growth stages that may

be described in the section on scrub, heathland and

coastal complexes. Refer, in particular, to the

descriptions for Leptospermum lanigerum scrub

(SLL), Melaleuca squarrosa scrub (SMR) and Banksia

marginata wet scrub (SBM).

RFA mapping unit

NLM is equivalent to RFA L.

Distribution

Common in the north-west and west including the

World Heritage Area (WHA), this community

occurs more sporadically elsewhere in the state.


BEL, FUR, KIN, TCH, TNS, TSE, TSR, TWE.


These forests are characteristically found in the high-

rainfall area of the west and north-west on low-lying

swampy flats and river terraces. There are mapped

occurrences also at higher altitudes in the WHA,

and in the north-east, again in swampy areas of

higher rainfall. The floristic composition of the

forests depends on the elapsed time since broad-

scale disturbance, and on soil fertility, drainage and

site elevation. While the canopies of the forests may

be even- aged – indicating a single regeneration

event – there is also some evidence that the

dominants are able to regenerate via gap-phase

replacement to give continuous regeneration in

long-undisturbed stands.


The dominant species are Leptospermum lanigerum

and Melaleuca squarrosa. The understorey is locally

very variable in species composition.



this mapping unit


A1 Depauperate callidendrous swamp forest; also occurs

in NAF

A2 Callidendrous sassafras swamp forest; also occurs in

NAF

B1 Thamnic leatherwood swamp forest; also occurs in

NAF

B2 Thamnic fern swamp forest; also occurs in NAF

B3 Thamnic horizontal swamp forest; also occurs in NAF

B4 Thamnic Trochocarpa swamp forest; also occurs in

NAF

B5 Thamnic celery top pine swamp forest; also occurs in

NAF

B6 Thamnic Huon pine swamp forest; also occurs in RHP

C4 Coastal tea-tree/Carex swamp forest; also occurs in

NAF & NLE

C5 Coastal sassafras swamp forest; also occurs in NAF &

NME

F2 Depauperate tea-tree/paperbark scrub forest; also

occurs in NME

Buttongrass moorland:

B13 Wet copses; also occurs in MBS, SWW, WNL, DOV

& SMR


5 Melaleuca squarrosa–Leptospermum lanigerum

heathy-ferny-sedgy closed scrub; also occurs in SMR


Leptospermum scoparium-Acacia mucronata forest (NLA)

General description

This community is a dense, closed-canopy, dwarf

forest generally 5–8 m tall when mature. It is

characterised by Leptospermum scoparium forming

50–95% of the canopy, but most commonly in

nearly equal proportions with Acacia mucronata.

NLA includes all seral stages from the most recent

burns to forest probably 30–50 years old.

Lyell Highway, near Queenstown. Nepelle Temby.

Example locality

Western slopes of Mount Huxley.


communities

The community is the result of severe and repeated

fires and has been mapped in recovery stages from

short (< 1 m) scrub to mature Leptospermum short

forest up to 8 m high. NLM is a generalised tall

Leptospermum class, and is variable, but usually has

Melaleuca squarrosa as an important component. In

contrast, M. squarrosa is seen only on the fringes of

NLA. NLA is defined as having no eucalypt canopy,

although it appears much of the present area of

NLA was once Eucalyptus nitida over tea-tree

(WNL). There are transitions from NLA to WNL in

a few places, and also into Western wet scrub

(SWW), which is more diverse and variable than

NLA and contains E. nitida saplings. NLM is taller

than Leptospermum with rainforest scrub (SRF) and

generally lacks a scrubby understorey.

Leptospermum scoparium heathland and scrub

(SLS) may be transitional to NLA and Western

subalpine scrub (SSW) may develop into NLA in the

absence of fire. NLE is short Leptospermum forest

without appreciable Acacia mucronata or A.

melanoxylon, while A. mucronata may make up to

50% of NLA and A. melanoxylon is important in

NLA transitional forms. Some forms of RML have

similarities with NLA, but lack A. mucronata and A.

melanoxylon, and are more diverse, with strong

rainforest affinities. RML in all its forms is a long-

undisturbed community.

RFA mapping unit

Some facies of NLA may occur in RFA L.

Distribution

NLA is mapped on both sides of the West Coast

Range as far north as Dundas and westwards across

the Henty Surface nearly to the coast. Its distribution

reaches the western border of the Tasmanian

Central Highlands Bioregion.


TCH, TWE.


NLA occurs in frequently burnt areas up to altitudes

of generally about 450 m on the west coast. The

substrates are generally weathered Cambrian

volcanic rocks and siliceous rocks that have

developed peat soils, though repeated burning has


rendered these soils skeletal in most areas. Most

NLA grows on moderate slopes.


This community appears to result from frequent

burning over the last 100 years. The original

vegetation may have been Eucalyptus nitida wet

forest and possibly also E. nitida mixed forest. In

some places, Huon pine stumps and logs have been

found beneath the tea tree, so it is likely that some

of the original vegetation was rainforest, like that

preserved at Newell Creek.

NLA is a dense, closed-canopy, dwarf forest

generally 6–8 m tall when mature. NLA is

characterised by Leptospermum scoparium forming

50–95% of the canopy, but most commonly

L. scoparium is in nearly equal proportion to

A. mucronata. A. melanoxylon may be scattered in

the canopy. There are generally no eucalypts, but

columnar tops of L. glaucescens may be seen as

emergents along some ridgetops. Other species

sometimes seen in the canopy in mature forest are

Banksia marginata and M. squarrosa, but these are

not common. Nematolepis squamea is usual as a

sub- canopy species with Monotoca glauca and

sometimes occasional Dicksonia antarctica and

Cenarrhenes nitida. The ground layer may be very

sparse, generally with Blechnum wattsii and

occasionally Dicksonia antarctica, and also Bauera

rubioides, Calorophus elongatus, C. erostris, Gahnia

grandis, tangled Gleichenia dicarpa and Sticherus

tener. Shrubs include Olearia stellulata,

O. persoonioides and occasionally Oxylobium

arborescens, Telopea truncata, Cenarrhenes nitida,

Leptecophylla juniperina and Pimelea linifolia (west

coast form).

All stages in the development of NLA are seen on

the Strahan Airstrip and Lake Margaret roads. Patch

burns in mature forest are uneven in texture, with

small Banksia marginata and Acacia mucronata over

Sprengelia incarnata, Gleichenia dicarpa, Bauera

rubioides and Gahnia grandis. Leptospermum

regrowth 1–2 m high consists of thick

Leptospermum scoparium, L. glaucescens, Acacia

mucronata, Melaleuca squarrosa and Olearia

stellulata with Gahnia grandis, Baloskion tetraphyllum

and Lepidosperma filiforme. The openings are rich in

sedges and monocotyledons. Mounds with

improved drainage within burnt Leptocarpus tenax

moorland or disturbed Baloskion tetraphyllum

hillsides may be more diverse.

There may be Bauera rubioides, Acacia mucronata

and Leptospermum scoparium seedlings, Monotoca

glauca, M. submutica, Leptecophylla juniperina,

Phyllocladus aspleniifolius, Atherosperma

moschatum, Oxylobium arborescens, Dillwynia

glaberrima, Nematolepis squamea, Epacris impressa

and E. lanuginosa, Sprengelia incarnata and

Comesperma retusum plus ferns, sedges and

monocotyledons.

As shelter, moisture and probably fertility increase,

the forest becomes dominated by Acacia

melanoxylon, with Leptospermum scoparium and

Nematolepis squamea still important, and an

intermediate or ground layer of Eucryphia lucida,

Atherosperma moschatum, Anopterus glandulosus

and ferns. Where Nothofagus cunninghamii appears,

there is a transition to rainforest communities.


this mapping unit


F1 Depauperate tea-tree scrub forest; also occurs in

SWR & SSK

F3 Tea-tree mesophytic scrub forest; also occurs in SWR


Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME)

General description

The community typically occurs as pure or almost

pure stands of Melaleuca ericifolia with trees

generally 10–12 m in height (but reaching 20 m)

forming a dense canopy over a simple, sedgy

understorey. It includes all successional growth

stages.

Near Stanley. Micah Visoiu.

Example locality

The Nook Swamp, King Island.


communities

The community is characterised by a dense, typically

even-aged canopy of Melaleuca ericifolia over a

ground layer of sedges, grasses and sometimes bare

ground. The dominant species distinguishes this

community. Small patches of shorter (< 8 m) but

pure M. ericifolia are considered to be immature

M. ericifolia and are mapped as NME.

RFA mapping unit

NME is equivalent to RFA ME.

Distribution

The community is generally restricted to coastal or

near-coastal areas, particularly in the north- west and

Bass Strait Islands, but also in the north-east (e.g.

Great Forester River).


BEL, FUR, KIN, TNM, TNS, TSE, TWE.


Dense stands of Melaleuca ericifolia commonly

occur as narrow strips fringing saltmarsh, lagoons

and rivers. They occupy a particular edaphic zone

that is frequently poorly–drained or intermittently–

waterlogged. Stands often appear even-aged, but

there may be regeneration in mature stands as a

result of a tree falling or wind-throw gaps. Old-

growth stands that demonstrate a long history of

regeneration in the absence of catastrophic

disturbance are very rare.


The dominant tree species is M. ericifolia, with

Acacia melanoxylon (in north-west swamps) and

Leptospermum lanigerum occasionally subdominant

or dominant in small areas of disturbance. Emergent

eucalypts (mainly Eucalyptus ovata and

E. brookeriana) may be subdominant to sparse.


The understorey is generally simple and devoid of

shrubs because of low light levels and/or frequent

flooding. It is most often dominated by Carex

appressa and/or Gahnia grandis, and Blechnum

wattsii and Lepidosperma elatius may be present.

Weeds and other herbaceous species may be

present, depending on the level of disturbance.


this mapping unit


C1 Coastal Poa swamp forest

C2 Depauperate coastal paperbark swamp forest

C3 Coastal paperbark–Carex swamp forest; also occurs in

NAF

C6 Coastal myrtle swamp forest; also occurs in NAF &

NLM

D1 Riparian blackwood–paperbark forest; also occurs in

NAF & NAR

F2 Depauperate tea-tree/paperbark scrub forest; also

occurs in NLM


4 Melaleuca ericifolia–Lomandra longifolia–Juncus kraussii

estuarine forest and scrub


Subalpine Leptospermum nitidum woodland (NLN)

General description

Subalpine Leptospermum nitidum woodland (NLN)

is defined by the presence of Leptospermum

nitidum as small, umbrageous trees scattered over

subalpine Melaleuca squamea sedgy moorland that

may include Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus and

Lepidosperma filiforme. Eucalyptus coccifera and

Athrotaxis cupressoides may occur as emergents.

Above the upper limits for Melaleuca, umbrageous

Leptospermum nitidum may be scattered over

moorland. NLN is restricted to flats and gentle

slopes on quartzite and siliceous flat-lying sediments

in subalpine areas of western and south-western

Tasmania, including sandstone shelves in the

Southern Ranges.

Lake Sydney, Southern Ranges. Keith Corbett.

Example locality

Plateau east of Adamsons Peak.


communities

The NLN community is distinguished from other

mapping units by the presence of umbrageous

Leptospermum nitidum emergent over western

subalpine sedgy moorland or sedge/scrub. Eucalyptus

coccifera, and in a few places Athrotaxis

cupressoides may also form scattered emergents.

The understorey (usually <1m high) may have

floristic similarities with SSW and SMM or be

dominated by Eurychorda complanata.

Subalpine shrubland with mallee-form Nothofagus

cunninghamii, dwarf Eucryphia species and

Eucalyptus vernicosa with Leptospermum nitidum

over a tangle of Richea milliganii and R. scoparia are

included in RSH.

The absence of Eucalyptus nitida differentiates NLN

from Western wet scrub (SWW).

NLN may occur in mosaics with Athrotaxis

selaginoides rainforest scrub (RKS) or Athrotaxis

selaginoides–Nothofagus gunnii short rainforest

(RKF).

RFA mapping unit

NLN is mainly a woodland community; some facies

may occur in RFA L or PP depending on the

prevalence of secondary species.

Distribution

NLN is an uncommon subalpine community, found

above 700m on ledges and moorland fringes on

some western and south-western mountains where

fire has been absent for at least 50 years. Note that

for this distribution image the symbology has been

emphasised to improve visibility of community

distribution.


TSR, TWE.


NLN is restricted to gentle slopes on infertile soils

over siliceous, flat-lying rocks in high- rainfall

subalpine areas of western Tasmania, including

sandstone shelves in the Southern Ranges.


It appears that at least 50 fire-free years are needed

for Leptospermum nitidum to develop the

characteristic “umbrella” forms.


This subalpine community has dominant

Leptospermum nitidum trees (4-10 m). The

understorey is typically Melaleuca squamea and

often Persoonia gunnii over a mixture of graminoids

and small heath plants, which usually include

Eurychorda complanata and Empodisma minus plus

any of Astelia alpina, Milligania spp., Oreobolus spp.,

Dracophyllum milliganii, Isophysis tasmanica, Carpha

alpina, Anemone crassifolia, Leucopogon milliganii,

Planocarpa petiolaris, Bauera rubioides and

Sprengelia incarnata.

Orites acicularis may occur on more nutrient-rich

sites, while Eucryphia milliganii is typically found on

quartzite and may have closer affinities with RKS

thickets in a mosaic with NLN.

On fertile sites (usually underlain by Permian

mudstones) Eucalyptus coccifera may occur as

scattered emergents and there may be a few

Athrotaxis cupressoides.


this mapping unit


for Leptospermum nitidum dominated vegetation

communities in Tasmania, and no equivalent floristic

communities identified.

edition 2 from forest to fjaeldmark the vegetation ...edition 2 from forest 3to fjaeldmark (revised...

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